Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of the APC in the Edo Governorship election, promised on Wednesday to empower women in Edo State, particularly traders working in the informal sector, with microcredit schemes to grow and revive some businesses that may have been affected by the COVID-19 restrictions.

He made this promise in Etsako West and Etsako Central Local Government Councils during campaign rallies at Ekperi and Auchi where large crowds gathered to receive the APC candidate and affirm their support for his bid to become the next Governor of Edo State.

Addressing the crowd, Ize-Iyamu said his administration will be different from the ‘non-performing’ administration of the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, stating that he has a well-thought-out plan and documented manifesto which contains realistic policy programs and plans to move the state forward.

He promised to find a lasting solution to the security and flood challenges of the state, especially in both councils, and create an enabling environment to attract investments and provide job opportunities for the youths.

He also assured the women, especially those trading in the informal sector in rural areas, of microcredit schemes to grow their businesses and help revive those that have been badly affected by the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu said his administration will be guided by his SIMPLE agenda manifesto and he will consolidate on the gains of the former Governor of the State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

On his part, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who spoke in Ekperi recalled some of his achievements in the Local Government Area, including the construction of a link road between Ekperi and Anegbette.

He criticized the incumbent Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for failing to continue with the projects designed to open up the local councils, stating that the Governor betrayed the trust of the people and abused the powers of his office in pursuit of selfish goals.

In Auchi, Oshiomhole added that the APC’s choice of Pastor Ize-Iyamu and Mallam Gani Audu was informed by their track record of performance and wide acceptance in all 18 LGAs of the State.

“The APC will restore good governance and not use propaganda to deceive the people,” Oshiomhole said.